Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb have reason to worry about states and cities across the country outright banning STRs. But in some cases, such as recently in Puerto Rico, Airbnb is supportive of more limited, statewide regulatory action that would create a cohesive set of rules for rental operators.
Carlos Muñoz, Airbnb's Director of Public Policy and Communications for Central America and the Caribbean, was disappointed by Puerto Rico’s Senate rejecting a House-drafted bill to regulate STRs.
“The defeat of PC.1557 in the Senate represents a setback for thousands of Puerto Rican hosts who sought to responsibly comply with state-level regulations while generating the extra income they need by offering their spaces as short-term supplementary accommodations," Muñoz said in a written statement.
Lawmakers initially proposed the legislation in response to community demands for the state to regulate STRs to ensure the welfare, health and safety of neighborhoods.
Muñoz argued that the bill's defeat leaves a "regulatory gap" that could have significant consequences. Without the legislation becoming law, municipalities lack a mechanism to monitor licenses and implement fines, he added.
"Puerto Rico has fallen behind in modern and inclusive tourism regulations. Airbnb remains committed to collaborating on the development of uniform, island-wide regulation aimed at eliminating the ambiguity and complexity currently faced by hosts,” he said.
In other Puerto Rico rental news, power outages on the island are forcing STR operators to take powering properties into their own hands. Some are incurring added expenses with the purchase of electric generators or the installation of solar panels. Read more on that development here.
Below, please find Property Guard's weekly short term rental regulation round-up, highlighting state and local news regarding short term rental regulations to regulate (or prohibit) Airbnbs and other STRs. If you want a comprehensive data solution on STR regulations in all 20,000 state and local jurisdictions, contact us here.
New and Proposed Regulations:
Other Noteworthy News:
